After our time in Livingstone came to an end (see part 2; The Tongabezi Experience), it is off to Zambia's famed Lower Zambezi valley, home to amazing wildlife and the Lower Zambezi National Park. Taking in some canoeing on the Zambezi River while staying at Sausage Tree Lodge and Old Mondoro.
Sausage Tree Camp is set in a stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This is in the heart of the best game viewing area. The camp and very welcoming pool overlook many narrow channels teeming with game, offering the amazing Zambezi escarpment as the backdrop.
We enjoyed boat cruises, sundowners, day and night game drives, an early morning canoe amongst hippos and crocs, tiger fishing and even a surprise lunch in the Zambezi River.
Sausage Tree also offers walks with highly skilled and trained rangers. Elephants are seen in camp on a daily basis. Game viewing is excellent, with an extremely high chance of spotting wild dog, leopard, lion, hippo and buffalo, to name but a few, during your stay.
After returning from our morning canoe excursion on our first morning - hot and exhausted - we were told we would be "going out" for lunch. Obviously, we were all a bit dumb-struck, like where does one "go out" for lunch in the Lower Zambezi? So we all boarded our boat, and as we turned the first bend, we couldn't believe what we saw, a table, chairs, barbeque, drinks table and shaded thatch enclosure all set up IN the Zambezi River. The camp crew were all standing ankle-deep waiting for us, cocktails in hand. And so we sat ankle-deep in the Zambezi and enjoyed our delicious barbeque and cocktails. This was most definitely one of the highlights of my trip, one which I will remember forever!
Sausage Tree Camp is an ideal family-friendly as well as a Honeymoon destination; there is something here for everyone.
Old Mondoro; From Sausage Tree to Old Mondoro, it is an approx. A 45-minute boat ride, although that definitely depends on how many times you stop to take pictures!
Old Mondoro (the Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area) is one of the most intimate and private safari camps in the Lower Zambezi, offering only 8 beds.
On our afternoon arrival at the camp, we soon embarked on a game drive which quickly turned into a night drive after we had stopped on the banks to enjoy our sundowners. We were extremely lucky with our sightings, having spotted two young male lions, three porcupines (my first ever sighting), hippos running amok, buffalo, five genets, as well as a bushbaby which we were told was the first sighting in two seasons!
Other activities on offer include canoeing, game viewing by motorboat, tiger-fishing (catch and release), as well as bush walks - there are some excellent walking areas right from the camp, and I've been told this is the best walking area in the Lower Zambezi.
It is a very rustic camp - quite different from the likes of Sausage Tree where we had just come from - with no electricity (paraffin lamps bring the camp alive after dark), offering a fantastic "back to basics" experience. If you need your hairdryer, then perhaps this is not the camp for you.
The Lower Zambezi Experience by Uyaphi.com
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree Camp stands as a beacon of luxury amid the wild; this exquisite safari camp, celebrated for its unique blend of adventure and serenity, offers guests the ultimate safari experience and adventure.
With its unparalleled location in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree provides an intimate encounter with surrounding nature, enveloped in the comfort of bush elegance. Every waking moment at camp is crafted to ensure an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the bush.
Old Mondoro
Old Mondoro stands as a beacon for those yearning for an authentic safari, cradled in the vast expanses of the Lower Zambezi National Park. This unique luxury safari camp, perched on the serene banks of the Zambezi River, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
From the thrilling canoeing trips that offer up-close encounters with hippos and elephants to the serene sunset cruises and the pulsating excitement of guided night drives, Old Mondoro promises an African safari experience like no other.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
Nestled on the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park lodge has been transformed into a breathtaking 5-star luxury haven. With its panoramic views of the sprawling river and the Mana Pools Reserve, teeming with wildlife and framed by stunning landscapes, this lodge offers an unparalleled experience.
From the sumptuous accommodation options to the exceptional service, every moment at the Royal Zambezi River Lodge is designed to surpass expectations, making it an undisputed jewel in the wilderness.
Chongwe River House
Discover the epitome of wilderness luxury at Chongwe River House, an enchanting haven nestled in the heart of Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley and Escarpment. Crafted with an innovative design that harmonises with nature, this premier safari villa promises an exclusive escape into the wild.
Tailored for those who seek an intimate connection with nature without compromising on luxury, River House is your secluded sanctuary for an unforgettable Lower Zambezi National Park safari for a family or small group of friends.
Lolebezi
Lolebezi Lodge, positioned on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this exclusive getaway promises more than just a stay; it offers an intimate encounter with nature, embodied in the elegance of its accommodations and the warmth of its hospitality.
Ideal for those seeking solace in the lap of luxury or adventurers yearning to explore the rich tapestry of the African bush, Lolebezi is more than just a destination—it's a gateway to experiencing the profound beauty of the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Zambezi Grande
Each aspect of the Zambezi Grande, from the sumptuously appointed suites to the gourmet dining options, is tailored to ensure guests indulge in unparalleled luxury while being enveloped in the raw beauty of the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Whether it's the thrill of a morning safari, the bliss of a spa treatment under the vast African sky, or the enchantment of a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi, your stay is more than a vacation—it's a profound connection with nature, luxury, and the pulse of Africa.
Amanzi Camp
Amanzi Camp, a haven of exclusivity nestled in the stunning wilderness of the Lower Zambezi National Park, invites you to indulge in an extraordinary safari adventure. This secluded gem, with its intimate encounter with the African wilderness, is designed exclusively for those who seek a serene retreat, offering a unique and privileged experience.
From heart-pounding game drives to tranquil canoe excursions, Amanzi is a sanctuary where the thrill of the natural world is matched only by the quality of hospitality and service. Each activity is designed to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
Each stay at Anabezi is designed to transcend the ordinary safari experience, allowing guests to revel in the splendour of their surroundings from the comfort of their private tented suite. With its commitment to excellence and attention to detail, Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp sets the benchmark for safari adventures that are as luxurious as they are authentic.
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp is an exclusive safari retreat that offers the discerning traveller a fusion of unparalleled natural beauty, bespoke luxury, and a deep connection with the Lower Zambezi National Park.